My instructor suggested I get an airband radio to listen to. Got me hooked plus I could listen to what NOT to do! However, did find it very useful.
I used to do all the radio work in my head before a flight -that seemed to help as well.
Also, don't be afraid to say, "Say again."
Even after ten years of flying, I didn't understand a peculiar instruction recently whilst backtracking and by the time I'd said 'Say again', a go around was instigated. The instruction, as I learnt, was 'Clear Echo.' If I'd heard 'Clear next right immediate', I may have understood. By the time I found 'Echo' on the chart it was far too late!! Oh well.....